Accra:Tehran Iran asserted that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) successfully downed and captured a US drone near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The action, reportedly carried out with advanced electronic warfare systems, was confirmed by the state-run IRNA news agency.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the IRGC Aerospace Force intercepted the MQM-170 drone over Qeshm Island several hours prior to the report. This incident marks the second occasion on which IRGC forces have captured such a drone intact.

The IRGC Navy stated that they seized control of the drone in the western Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, using an electronic warfare operation to land it without damage. Iranian media reported that the drone was allegedly deployed to scout Iranian air defense systems along the Gulf coast and the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, the US military refuted Iran's version of events, with US Central Command spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins dismissing the claim. Additionally, Iranian media on Thursday reported the interception and destruction of an MQ-1 drone near the Strait of Hormuz.

These developments occur amidst growing tensions between Iran and the United States regarding the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for global energy shipments. Relations between the two nations have been strained following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, which led to Iranian retaliatory actions across the region. Despite diplomatic efforts and a memorandum signed between Washington and Tehran in June, security and navigation issues in the strait remain contentious.